Madeira East: Guided Day Tour, Balcões Levada Walk & Rum Tasting

Summary

East Madeira’s peaks, levada trails, Santana houses and local rum

You’ll start high above Madeira at Pico do Areeiro before following Ana (or whoever your guide is) along the peaceful Balcões Levada trail. Taste fresh mountain air, see Santana’s iconic houses up close, and try sugarcane rum at North Mills Distillery in Porto da Cruz—all with easy pickup from Funchal. This isn’t just scenery; it’s a day full of small moments that linger long after.

What’s the experience like?

By the time we reached Pico do Areeiro, I’d already lost count of how many times I’d said “wow” under my breath. The air up there is sharper than you’d expect—almost cold even with the sun out—and clouds drifted right past our faces like they were in a hurry somewhere else. Our guide, Ana, pointed out the ridges where you could see all the way to the sea if you squinted. She had this habit of switching between English and Portuguese mid-sentence when she got excited about a fact. It made me smile.

The Balcões Levada walk at Ribeiro Frio was quieter than I thought it would be—just birds and that soft trickle of water running beside us. There was this spot where the forest opened up and suddenly you’re staring at this deep green valley below, and honestly, I just stood there for a minute not saying anything. Some folks skipped the walk to check out the trout nursery instead (I peeked in later; it smelled faintly earthy and wet). Lunch was whatever you felt like—Ana suggested a tiny place with grilled black scabbard fish, which tasted better than it looked, trust me.

After that we wound through these villages—Faial’s Guindaste viewpoint first (windy enough to steal your hat), then Santana with those funny little triangular houses. One old man waved at us from his doorstep; he laughed when I tried to pronounce “casas de colmo.” Porto da Cruz was next for the North Mills Distillery stop. The rum burned a little going down but left this sweet aftertaste—I’m still not sure if I liked it or just liked the ritual of tasting it together.

Ponta do Rosto was our last stop on this day trip from Funchal. The cliffs drop off so suddenly it almost feels unreal—like you’ve reached the edge of something big. We all got quiet for a bit there. On clear days you can see Porto Santo far off but that day it was just mist and sea wind in my hair. I still think about that view sometimes when things get loud back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Eastern Madeira highlights

• Visit Pico do Areeiro viewpoint
• Lunch break and Levada walk at Ribeiro Frio
• Explore trout nursery at Ribeiro Frio
• Admire views at Guindaste viewpoint
• Visit Santana village and thatched houses
• Stop at Porto da Cruz and taste rum
• End at Ponta do Rosto viewpoint

Top questions

How long does the East Madeira guided tour last?

The tour lasts approximately one full day with several stops across East Madeira.

Is hotel pickup included for this Madeira day trip?

Yes, free pickup is included in the Funchal area.

Can I skip the Balcões Levada walk?

Yes, if you prefer not to do the walk at Ribeiro Frio, you can visit the trout nursery or relax nearby instead.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No, lunch is not included but your guide can recommend restaurants during your break at Ribeiro Frio.

Are entry fees for Balcões Levada included?

No, there is an entrance fee of 5.50€ per person for the Balcões Levada walk which is not included in the tour price.

Is this East Madeira tour suitable for families?

Yes, infants and children are welcome; prams or strollers are allowed and infant seats are available.

Will we visit Santana’s traditional houses?

Yes, there’s a break in Santana village to see its famous triangular thatched houses.

Do we get to taste local rum on this tour?

Yes, there’s a stop at North Mills Distillery in Porto da Cruz where you can sample Madeira rum.

What’s included

Your day includes certified local guides throughout East Madeira with free pickup from hotels in Funchal. All insurance requirements are covered by Portuguese law. You’ll have time for lunch (at your own expense) and get to sample traditional sugarcane rum at North Mills Distillery before returning in comfort.